Bangkok: Abhisit Vejjajiva, the leader of the Democrat Party, has launched a new campaign titled “You Can Be a Good MP, Too,” aiming to inspire citizens to participate in politics without fear of potential challenges. He emphasized that this initiative marks a fresh start, advocating for a transformative change in Thai politics.
According to Thai News Agency, Abhisit led the party’s executive committee in a ceremony to encourage individuals interested in running for the position of Member of Parliament (MP). This announcement came despite the Election Commission not yet certifying the new executive committee. Abhisit highlighted the urgent need to address the country’s chronic issues, particularly those stemming from corruption, which he identified as the root of inefficiencies in the economic system and the broader socio-political landscape.
Abhisit criticized the current political climate, which he claims revolves around party affiliations and numerical strategies rather than genuine policy discussions. He urged citizens to join the Democrat Party and contribute to the nation’s development, stressing the importance of honesty and integrity. The party’s campaign invites applications from prospective MPs until November 30th, emphasizing the message, “Don’t wait for others to represent you. You too can be a good MP.”
When questioned about candidate deployment, Abhisit expressed his willingness to field candidates in every constituency if nationwide support is garnered. He dismissed the notion of party strongholds, advocating for a fresh start where no political party claims ownership of any area or its people. He called on the public to elect representatives who genuinely reflect their values and aspirations.
Addressing concerns about money-driven politics, Abhisit conveyed his belief in a turning point where public awareness could mitigate the influence of financial incentives in elections. He stressed the need for robust discussions on critical national issues, warning that without economic growth, other societal problems would persist.
Regarding internal party dynamics, Abhisit stated that he is prepared to start anew, even if it means losing some former members. He expressed confidence that there are enough like-minded individuals to keep the party progressing. In response to the resignation of former party leader Chalerm Sri-on and his followers, Abhisit reiterated his commitment to building a party that serves the entire nation, starting from the year 2027.